A consortium of experts from across Europe has been awarded a €200,000 Climate-KIC grant. The European Energy Performance of Properties Analysis (EEPPA) project is led by Knight Frank, a London based independent, global real estate consultancy.

The funding is aimed at boosting research into the development of a pan-European EPC index and analytical tool. EPC indices monitor how many commercial construction projects have valid energy performance certificates (EPC).

Richard Templer, Director of Climate-KIC’s national centre in the UK, said: “One of the greatest causes of greenhouse gas emissions comes from energy inefficient buildings, so we are delighted to be working with one of Europe’s largest property consultancies to fix this CO2 leak.”

A unique project

At present, no single organisation has created a pan-European overarching EPC index and analytical tool in order to evaluate the energy performance of properties, enhance transparency, and provide market knowledge to drive carbon reduction Europe-wide.

David Goatman, Partner and Head of Sustainability Consultancy at Knight Frank, said: “We believe this pan-European index of energy performance certificates and analytical data will prove to be a hugely valuable resource to investors and policy makers alike.”

“The creation of a Europe-wide energy performance index for buildings will create the circumstances in which energy innovation can flourish,” said Templer.

The EEPPA project is considered to be a major challenge, and requires a substantial amount of co-ordination across EU Member States and national regulatory bodies. It is understood, however, that the outcome will be a huge asset for policy makers and the property industry in the years ahead.

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